ECUADOR Deets : MosaiX Details

As a traveler with a career background that combines Organizational Psychology, Diversity Awareness & Cultural Observation, I’m often fascinated, bemused, amused, and yes, sometimes annoyed, by the amazing MosaiX of things I encounter that make me go, “Hummm?” ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Here are the cultural details I’ve noticed in Ecuador.

Interesting what products are imported (͡°‿ ͡°)

The English word is displayed significantly larger than the Español translation. Are we in expat territory? No, this store is a national chain.

Another bilingual sign.

Everything in Español except the word ‘Smile’; by the way, the Spanish word is ‘sonrisa’.

Maybe inglés is one of the skills developed at this preschool?

The sidewalks in many Latin American countries are full of walking hazards! In the states, municipalities would be paying lawsuit money left and right.

Another of many curious accidents in the making... apparently, the government expects people to watch where they are walking ! Imagine That !

EDIFICIO means ‘building’ in español; oddly this word is consistently used before the identifying name.

Why note that a building… is a building?

I could go on, but I won't.

Cultural Detail : In many Latin American countries, you should bring your own toilet paper (or packet of tissues) when using a public restroom. It’s rare to find even this singular centrally located dispenser provided at the Cuenca airport.

Many streets in Latin America are named for historic events. 12 April is the anniversary of Cuenca's founding. It's celebrated over several days with concerts, parades, fireworks and food stalls along the main rivers.

During a private car tour in Cuenca, the driver stopped at a station to top of the fuel tank. Attendants still pump the gas for you here.

At the gas station convenience store, meat and cheese filled deli sandwiches, but not refrigerated?

In Quito, many commercial vehicles have the license plate stenciled on the roof. Is it to aid police helicopters when giving chase?

The parking lot is painted in the MIDDLE of this very wide boulevard in Quito.

Recall that the current low traffic in this business district is due to COVID-19 mobility restrictions. Must be quick on your feet to cross three lanes of normal traffic to get to the sidewalks!

I’m very attracted to color so when I came across a PURPLE microfiber mop it was a ‘must buy’; plus the fact that for a few months I’ll be in a private, not shared with resident, AirBnB (i.e., self-housekeeping).